From soda to candy, to regular everyday bad habits – your kids are increasingly at risk for developing cavities, especially since they can form in just a matter of months. It can be difficult to keep track of what not to do, especially if they’re brushing their teeth regularly. But when your children start to complain of tooth pain, sensitivity, or even nothing at all – cavities have a way of sneaking up and developing rapidly. Here are three common causes of children’s cavities to avoid.
Inadequate Brushing and Flossing
It’s one thing to have your children maintain a regular routine for brushing their teeth each morning and night, but it’s important that they are brushing properly, along with flossing. If brushing isn’t done properly in order to reach every area of the teeth, it could easily create areas for plaque to develop and thrive. This can lead to cavities over time.
Frequent Sugary Snacks and Juice
When are kids are particularly little, it’s hard not to spoil them with snacks and their favourite juice. But when it comes to the type of snacks they’re getting, there could be an abundance of sugar or acidic qualities that can easily wear down the enamel of teeth, especially if they’re eaten frequently. The same thing goes for juice. Try to limit or avoid giving your children food and drinks that are very high in sugar. When they do get treats, make sure your children rinse their mouth out with water afterwards.
The Shape of the Teeth
Sometimes, the simple shape and grooves of your children’s teeth can play a large factor in increased cavities. If this is the case, it means they have to pay particular attention to how they’re brushing and flossing in order to ensure they’re getting into all those crevices and grooves. It may be more tedious, but spending the extra few minutes to ensure they get a thorough brush can be just about all they need to steer clear from cavities.
Additionally, if the problem is more severe, there are sealants available from your local Ottawa pediatric dentist that can provide a protective layer over those hard to reach teeth.
Cavities can form in no time. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to encourage your children to take the proper measures to reduce their potential for developing cavities. That means limiting sugary foods and drinks, brushing and flossing thoroughly, and following your dentist’s instructions for optimal care. Steer clear of these common culprits for cavities and your children will have a much better chance of staying cavity free.
